Hundreds attend Redlands Art Association's annual show on State Street

REDLANDS - Hundreds of art lovers flocked to downtown on Sunday to participate in the sixth annual Art on State Street sponsored by the Redlands Art Association.

Around 47 vendors set up shop on the sometimes busy street between 6th and 7th with their wares on display.

Artists from all mediums were invited to attend the sale, which is set up like a Market Night-style event.

With a slight chance of rain Sunday, organizers were worried that the turnout was going to be lower than expected.

But as the clouds rolled past, the streets were buzzing with the sounds of voices asking questions to artists and placing orders.

"We're happy. We have a pretty good crowd," said Sandy Davies, event coordinator for the RAA.

Davies said this year's effort brought more artists from across the Inland Empire and other areas, and organizers had to work to find more space to accommodate them.

"Of course, we all kind of chummy, so we don't mind squeezing together. But you'll see that we have more people on the sidewalk and we've taken over the alcove at Wells Fargo... we squeeze them in," Davies said. "But I'd love to have more artists."

Hugh and Becky Huffman traveled from Twentynine Palms to attend for the second year.

Becky Huffman said her and her husband returned because of the RAA's hospitality and how the event is set up.

"I always loved a carnival atmosphere," she said. "But the atmosphere here is really nice, and we sell, which is really nice, too."

Huffman said that she and her husband had worked several years before a piece was sold. When it was, they never looked back.

"Never give up," Hugh Huffman said.

His wife agreed.

"You just have to keep trying. You have to develop," she said. "I'm just starting my photography, and it's pretty good. But don't give up. Just keep trying."

A former acrylic and oil painter, Fontanes began making collages several years ago, dedicating more time to his art when he retired three years ago.

He found most of his successes with the collages, he said.

Fontanes has won several area contests, and has many pieces hanging in the A.K. Smiley Library and the Lincoln Shrine, he said.

He was also the designer of this year's Fourth of July event T-shirt.

As customers came and went, Fontanes socialized with artists nearby, some of whom he knew.

"You have a lot of artists in Redlands... and most of them want to show their art. Money is always an incentive, but the thing is to show their art," he said, applauding the RAA for the event. "When a venue comes up, we're there usually."

Fontanes said that if Sunday's event proved to be a success for art lovers, he would love to see someone in the community bring back a weekly art event in downtown, such as the defunct Friday Night Redlands.

"That drifted off into nothing, and I'm hoping to really get that going again for the days when it gets a little warmer," he said.